Blyth’s opener prompts an impressive Bashley response

Brakes’ winless streak extended to nine league matches after they were unable to hold on to a lead given to them by Jacob Blyth’s 15th goal of the season, writes Paul Edwards.

The hosts started like a train and could have been two goals in front inside the opening three minutes.

Mark Gamble latched on to a flick- on from a corner kick and placed his header over the bar when he should have hit the target and then found himself one-on-one with Nathan Vaughan as some hesitant defending presented him with the ball inside the penalty area. Fortunately, the Brakes keeper rescued his team- mates, pulling off a fine save with his legs.

A dangerous cross flashed across the goalmouth as the home side tried to build on their good start, but Brakes gradually gained a foothold and began to work the ball around.

Blyth did well to nudge the ball into the path of Richard Batchelor, who struck a shot over the bar from a difficult angle. Sterling work from Lee Chilton in midfield saw Blyth presented with an opportunity of his own, turning to shoot low, but it was saved by Bash keeper Stewart Kearn.

The increased confidence in the team was evident and they continued to push forward, Blyth sending in a header from distance. Asa Charlton made a superb challenge on the edge of his own penalty area to halt a Bashley attacker in full flow before David Kolodynski saw a penalty claim waved away as he took on Matt Finlay inside the Bashley area.

A lofted ball to the far post found Gamble in acres of space, but the Bashley striker side-footed his shot straight at Vaughan.

Brakes then went agonisingly close at the other end, with Blyth clipping a shot across goal that dropped inches wide of the far post.

Leamington made an impressive start to the second half and almost went in front when Blyth charged through the Bashley half with the help of a couple of ricochets and almost took the ball past Kearn, who saved at the second attempt.

With little over 20 minutes to play, Leamington moved in front. A free-kick was played in towards the area and Blyth lifted a shot over the keeper and into the net before racing toward the bench in celebration.

Unfortunately, Brakes were unable to hold on to their advantage as within three minutes the hosts were level. Good work on the left saw the ball driven into the six-yard box and, despite a defender on the line desperately trying to clear, Gamble poked in from close range.

James Stokoe should have completed a quickfire turnaround, but flicked his header over from close range.

Brakes were rattled, but a superb charge down by Batchelor in midfield saw him rampaging forward, playing in Blyth who cut inside and lashed in a shot that whistled past the post.

An 83rd-minute corner led to the hosts’ winning goal, with Dave Allen looping a header over a crowd of players and into the net.

Kolodynski went close to levelling things up late on when he clipped a shot just over and there was late drama when Vaughan came charging out of his area and clattered into Gamble as he bore down on goal.

To the amazement of all, referee Richard Hulme brandished only a yellow card, meaning Brakes finished the match with a full complement of players, but still without that elusive three points.

Bashley: Stewart Kearn, Jack Smith, Matt Finlay (Liam Green, 25), Gary Middleton, Luke Whitley, Josh Casey, Richard Gillespie, Dave Allen, James Stokoe, Mark Gamble, Ian Oliver. Subs not used: Josh Digby, Matt Vokes, Stefan Penny, Carl Foster.

Brakes: Nathan Vaughan, James Mace, Stephan Morley, Lee Downes, Jamie Hood, Asa Charlton, Craig Owen (Alex Taylor, 77), Lee Chilton (James Husband, 77), Jacob Blyth, David Kolodynski (Luke Corbett, 87), Richard Batchelor. Subs not used: Michael Tuohy, Lee Williams.